Page 16 of Quiet Obsession
I cock an eyebrow. “Ourway?”
“Yes, Mini.Ourway. You’re coming with.”
“No.”
He folds his arms over his chest and Abby’s cheeks flare behind his back. It’s pouring down outside and Dash is in a thin gray,wett-shirt that clings to his straining biceps. I bet the careless, dark blonde curls dripping at the tips don’t help.
She’s a walking blush whenever he or Noah stop by.
“Yes, you are. Hyde would kill us if we left you here alone and no way are we missing old Creed’s funeral. I’m pissing on his fucking grave as soon as old Greta leaves the cemetery.”
My nose scrunches as I type out a quick text to Hyde.
Me: Dash says I’m coming to the funeral. I can manage 24h alone.
Dash snatches a chocolate bar from the pile of sweets and plops down beside me, the scent of his cologne, rain, and hair product filling my personal space. He gets comfortable, resting his wet head against my pillow.
I smack his shoulder, but he doesn’t react, more interested in the rom-com cover. I half expect Abby to drop dead when he opens it with the same hand he holds the Snickers, but she just stares with heart-shaped irises.
“No chocolate. Abby will kill you,” I warn.
He looks over at her, lips curling into his signature flirty grin, eyebrows bouncing. “I don’t mind a bit of wrestling.”
My phone pings, so I avert my eyes from Abby’s dreamy, red-faced expression.
Hyde: It’s 48h. You don’t have to come to the funeral. You can wait at Creed’s, but you’re not staying on campus while everyone I trust to protect you is here.
Gnashing my teeth, I toss the phone aside. The only reason I don’t argue is that Hyde probably has his hands full with his grieving best friend and the funeral arrangements.
No need to add more worry to his plate.
I can’t imagine what Creed’s going through, but I know one thing for sure: however things are, Hyde’s sharing his emotions in equal measure. I asked Noah why my brother was so worried when Creed called, and he gave me an answer I half expected.
“We’re all best friends, but Creed has a special place in Hyde’s heart. They’re thick as thieves.”
“What’s the verdict?” Dash asks.
I run a hand down my face. “Road trip.”
“Your enthusiasm is contagious, Mini. We’re staying until Sunday, so pack accordingly and don’t forget something black for the funeral.” He sits up, leaving a wet stain on my pillow. “I’ll come grab your bag later. We’re leaving tonight.”
“Tonight?!”
His smile widens, turning triumphant as he leans in, fists landing on either side of my thighs. “Did you justsnapat me, Mini Ward?”
“No.”
“Yeah, you did. You’re getting more comfortable around me, aren’t you?” He pushes back up, ruffling my hair while ignoring the way I flinch away. “I’ll come get you around six. Unless Noah’s ready sooner.”
I glance at my wristwatch. It’s already close to five.
Dash doesn’t wait for any reply, pausing in the doorway to wink at Abby. She almost melts into a puddle.
“I’m sojealous you hang out with him. Withthem. I don’t know which one’s hotter, Dash, Noah, or—” She cuts herself offby slapping a hand over her mouth.
“My brother?” I ask, pulling my backpack from under my bed. “It’s okay.”
Abby’s eyes grow wider. “You mean that?” She waits for a nod before breaking into a smile. “I’ve heard enough to know they’re only into casual relationships, and that’s cool. I mean, I’m eighteen. College is supposed to be about having fun, right? And I’d love to have some fun with one of them.”
